Why? “The Bride Quartet” is a fun romance series that follows four best friends — Mackenzie, Emmaline, Laurel and Parker —as they find their soul mates. Together the four run Vows, a successful wedding planning business, from Parker and her brother Delaney’s childhood estate. Living together on the estate grounds, each woman runs a different aspect of the business; their positions as photographer, florist, pastry chef and wedding organizer befit their personalities and passions. Each book focuses on one friend’s love story. While one book can stand on its own, it’s fun to read about the different aspects of the business and each person’s perspective on events. Time slightly overlaps so you get a peek at the upcoming romance in each story. Anyone looking for a quick, light romantic read will enjoy “The Bride Quartet.”

Jennifer de la Fuente

Why: Gowda has adroitly tackled motherhood and India in her enchanting debut novel “Secret Daughter.” As the story opens in India, Kavita gives birth to her second baby girl, and because the family can’t afford her (and because Kavita doesn’t want this baby to meet the same unspeakable fate as her firstborn), she secretly takes her child to an orphanage in Bombay. The second narrative occurs in the U.S., with doctors Somer and Krishnan unable to conceive and flying to his native Bombay to adopt a child. The parallel narratives follow these characters, and the compelling adopted child Asha, for the next 20 years, until ultimately the two narratives collide. It’s a predictable setup, but Gowda has done a wonderful job here, and I enjoyed her depiction of Bombay, from both the wealthy and the poor perspectives. The novel really sings when Asha finally makes her way to India and reunites with her past. It’s heart-wrenching at times, but all in all, an engrossing debut novel and a perfect Mother’s Day gift.